FAQs

A clinical trial is a specific process used to test the safety and efficacy of new drugs and medical devices. This method involves individuals who agree to undergo specific tests and procedures in order to better understand the safety and efficacy of new drugs or medical devices. These trials are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

A Clinical Research Coordinator (CRC) is a member of the healthcare team that is primarily responsible for the day-to-day activity of a clinical trial. They recruit, enroll and monitor individuals enrolled in a clinical trial. They will also interact with the physicians associated with the trial and the organization which funds the trial, such as a pharmaceutical company or the National Institutes of Health. CRCs typically work in physician practices, hospitals, and specialty centers but can also be employed in pharmaceutical companies and contract research organizations.

Although the Bureau of Labor Statistics
does not maintain statistics for Clinical Research Coordinators, the employment
demand for CRCs is expected to continue to grow. The job outlook within the state is especially promising since Texas is a leading pharmaceutical research state. In 2012, Texas was ranked second nationally for the number of all clinical trials, with more than 14,000 studies underway, according to the National Institutes of Health database (www.clinicaltrials.gov) An aging population and new
scientific discoveries are expected to contribute to growth in the drug and
medical device development industry nationwide.